Valentine’s Day Brings a New Law for New York Teens

Giving the gift of love is what Valentine's Day is about. Giving the gift of life is what organ donation is all about. February 14th is also know as National Organ Donor Day and it brings a new law in New York.

Up until now, teen drivers under 18 years old in New York were not given the option to donate organs after they die in an accident. The new law now allows for 16 and 17 year old drivers to become organ donors.

However, parents/guardians of these teens UNDER 18 can reverse that decision when they pass away.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation in August of 2016,

"With thousands of New Yorkers still waiting for the gift of life, we continue to focus on making organ and tissue donations available to all those in need," Governor Cuomo said. "By authorizing 16 and 17 year olds to make the selfless decision to become an organ donor, we take another significant step to grow the state's Donate Life registry and create opportunities to save lives."